June 20

‘Star Wars Journal, Hero for Hire’ by Donna Tauscher

“May the force be With You”.

Han Solo, his handy partner Chewbacca and their ship, the Millennium Falcon travel through the galaxy with debts to pay off and goods to smuggle while surviving the dangers they face. He needs to tell a monk about his past journeys to survive and escape his death sentence.

If action packed, space journey, science fiction books are for you, then, Star Wars Journal, Hero for Hire is the book for you.

This science fiction book is set on a variety of different planets in their galaxy somewhere in space. Han Solo is one of the leaders of the rebel alliance, a fierce smuggler, scoundrel, hero and captain of the almighty millennium falcon. Alongside him is his co-pilot, Chewbacca, a legendary Wookie warrior. Han Solo is trapped in a jail cell awaiting Luke Skywalker to save him from his death sentence when a monk, Sai’da comes across Han. Luke worked for the rebellion and is one of the greatest Jedis in the galaxy. Sai’da is a historian who wants to record Han’s life story. Han tells him about the adventures he has been on throughout the galaxy.

I enjoyed this book very much because of the amazing stories that were told and also because of the plot twists there were. This book always kept you on the edge of you seat because you could never predict what would happen next. I highly recommend for teens to read this book.

I would recommend this book to experienced readers in between the age of 11-30 that enjoy action packed, space journey books, preferably boys, but girls can read it if they enjoy books like this. I really enjoyed this book a lot and can’t wait to read it again and again. I rate this book a 4 out of 5-star book. – Jonah S., Year 8.

June 20

‘Galax-arena’ by Gillian Rubinstein

“When you feel like giving up, look back at how far you’ve come. Be strong. Stay on your path. Never stop going.”

Do you like books that get you nervous but also excited at the same time? If you do, Galex Arena by Gillian Rubinstein is a superb book for you.

A sci-fi book filled with adventure and action, this book is incredible, from the start when the three siblings, Joella, Peter and Liane, get kidnapped by a man named Hythe, who was supposed to be picking them up instead of their Aunty Jill, was actually a kidnapper taking them to a rocket ship. The siblings felt like they were in the rocket ship forever and didn’t know where Hythe was taking them. They end up in space at some unknown planet. They have to perform deadly stunts in front of aliens. If you weren’t very good at gymnastics like Joella, you would become one of the aliens’ pets. To find out what happens in the end, you HAVE to read Galax Arena.

I really enjoyed this book. It has a lot of adventure in it and it really gets you thinking about what’s going to happen next. I loved how Gillian Rubinstein involved a real life incident and a made up incident. This was that the children got kidnapped, a real life incident, and the kids being sent to aliens, the made up incident. I loved this book because it made me want to read more to see what happened next. It was very interesting and action filled through the whole book.

I think this book is suited for any gender since it includes aliens but also acrobatics at the same time. I recommend this book for mature 12+ because the book includes death worthy stunts, slavery and kidnapping. If you are interested in books that are thrilling and adventurous, Galax Arena is definitely the book for you.

Ella B, Year 8

June 20

‘Ads R Us’ by Claire Carmichael

Ads are everywhere. It’s like Barrett’s brain is covered in them. That’s all he can see. It’s like a world of mystery. Barrett is running out of time. What will he do?

“Never look down on anybody else unless you’re helping them up.” Ads R Us, written by Claire Carmichael.

It is a very interesting, intriguing and happy novel to read. You never know what else may happen on the next page. It is mainly an adventure and action book, but there is a twist that no one is expecting.

The book is based in an ultra-modern city in the near future, where advertising is a non-stop occurrence. Wherever Barrett goes, advertising is always around him. Orphaned as a baby, Barrett Trent was raised in Simplicity outside the world of advertising but with the death of his uncle he has set off to find and live with his Aunt Cara, Uncle Adrian and cousin, Taylor. They work for an advertising company called Ads for Life where they advertise, but are they doing something wrong? Barrett finds out that his aunty and uncle aren’t telling him something, so he goes to find out what is happening.

I loved this book because it was always interesting and never failed to make me stop reading. The themes of this book are adventure, mystery and action. It made me very interested in what may happen next. Thrilling and thought provoking are the perfect words to explain this book. It makes you think, which creates a different mindset.

I would recommend this book to any age but 10 – 14 years of age would love this book. Ads R US relates to teenagers because it is based around a teenager called Barrett Trent where he tries to figure what is happening in his life. He is so young which relates to that age group.

In conclusion, teens would find this book a fascinating story. It is a great story about peer pressure, privacy and much more about advertising and how you should always do the right thing. This specific book fits in with the Science Fiction genre. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action and mystery books.

Amy L., Year 8

June 19

‘The Last Dragon’ By C.A. Rainfield

The book I am reviewing is ‘The Last Dragon’ from the Dragon Speaker series. The author of this book is C.A. Rainfield and this is my first time reading one of his books. This book is a science fiction book. The illustrator of this book is Charlie Hnatiuk.

The main things that I am going to be saying about this book is that it is an exciting book and it is about the year 1144 and the world’s last dragon comes back. The evil lord is planning to use the dragon to rule the kingdom and the only person that can stop him is a 16-year-old boy called Jacob. The story is set in a faraway kingdom and it is very convincing. Jacob’s character does seem very real because when the dragon came he had to find a way to talk to the dragon. The ending is very satisfying because even though they had a lot of work ahead of them, everybody was happy. They had to rebuild their village but they were going to enjoy the sweetness of their success.

I liked this book because it was an interesting sci-fi book about a boy whose name is Jacob. He is the only person that can talk to the world’s last dragon and he must rescue the egg of the world’s last dragon. I would recommend The Last Dragon for any teen that likes to read sci-fi books. I would rate this book as an 8/10.

Josh T., Year 8

June 19

‘Zac Powers, Deep Waters’ by H.I. Larry

The book that I have read and will be reviewing is called Zac Powers, Deep Waters by H.I. Larry. In this mission, Zac has been recruited and taken undercover by one of the biggest secret agencies in the world, G.i.B. He is sent into one of the deepest darkest oceans in the world to discover a deep dark secret that the enemy B.i.G has been planning. This book was very interesting and kept me intrigued the whole way through the book. I recommend this book to ages 8+

Daniel C., Year 8

June 19

‘The Rose Society’ by Marie Lu

Could you be the type of person who loves a book that has an incredible story line?

Are you interested in these science fiction novels? If, so I feel you will enjoy The Rose Society, published in 2015.

After one of the main characters died and all was turning dark, Adelina fought through the tough times and ended up on top. The Rose Society was no different. It kept me intrigued all throughout the 398 paged novel with an adventurous storyline. As things started to settle down and the fight was over, I almost put the book down, then suddenly another throbbing battle had me back in making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Although Adelina goes against her friends I knew she would come back to them. Working together is key for people like Adelina, especially when she is being hunted.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to ages 12-18 and to someone who is a capable reader and is interested in science fiction, action, and drama-packed storylines with a little bit of romance. I was entertained and enjoyed this book. Therefore I give ‘The Rose Society’ by Marie Lu Three out of five stars.

by George D., Year 8

 

June 19

‘Storm Thief’ by Chris Wooding

The book Storm Thief is set on an island\city called Orokos, a futuristic city where people live in high-walled districts, overseen by a government called The Protectorate. The Protectorate tries to shield their people from the impacts and dangers of the probability storms which can change structures and several other different things. Adding to this wreckage is the arrival of the Revenants which can kill you if touched by them. Throughout the course of the novel it is found that the Revenants and the storms were made many years prior by the founders of Orokos.

Rail and Moa are two teenagers from the ghettos, who live by stealing for their master Anya-Jacuna. Rail finds a faded artefact with the capability to open any gateway. Rail and Moa both escape from their master, now seeking to trade their fortunes in this chaotic city, and travel to the secret village of Kilitas, who are staging a break-out into the oceans of Orokos, believing there is land to be found on the other side of the sea’s.

During their adventure, Rail and Moa encounter Vago who was made by the Protectorate as the ideal weapon to be used against the Revenants. However, Vago had gotten away because of a storm, during which he had been taken from his captivity, and held prisoner by a brutal toymaker. Moa and Vago build a trust while Rail and Vago not so much.

As the head of the Secret Police, Lysander Bane and the assassin Finch (sent by Anya-Jacuna) surround the trio, each trying to either recover the golem or the artefact. The trio end up being taken to the Fulcrum, the heart of the storms and the Chaos Engine. Here Rail must figure out how to trust Moa and give up his own tenacious ways, while Moa needs to figure out how to stand up for herself. The golem must choose which side he is truly on, either the Protectorate’s or the ghetto people’s.

Ryusei K., Year 8

June 16

‘The Carbon Diaries 2015’ by Saci Lloyd

(Welcome to a world where carbon is restricted and people’s lifestyles are on the line.)

Join Laura Brown on the worst year of her life. It’s 2015 and in the UK carbon dioxide rations have been put in place to try and reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the fragile atmosphere. Environmental woes aside, Laura just wants to be noticed by the boy next door, Ravi Datta. If it’s not carbon warfare and teenage crushes, its Laura’s family slowly crumbling under the pressures of the new carbon rationing regime. Amidst the disarray of Laura’s life her band, The Dirty Angels, struggle to make it big time.

Interested in a climatic Sci-Fi novel filled with teen drama, societies downfall, pig troubles and bad weather? Well, this is the book for you.

Set in a dystopian world where greenhouse gas emissions have gotten so bad, carbon rations have been put in place to ensure survival. 16-year-old Laura Brown lives in the UK with her mum (Julia), dad (Nick) and sister (Kim). Laura and her family are struggling to abide by the rationing regime with old habits proving themselves difficult to adapt. Laura struggles to make it through college tests and exams due to the distractions of her band and her spiralling out of control family. With her mum leaving the house due to disagreements, her dad finding solace in a pig and an overly moody sister, Laura has her fair share of distractions, not to mention her band and the most important distraction of all to Laura…Ravi Datta.

I absolutely loved this book. The way Saci Lloyd had written it in diary entries made the book like a personal glimpse into Laura’s day.  This book is interesting; the characters were relatable as each had their own problems to deal with. The book was enjoyable from cover to cover. I was intrigued by the way the author addressed the problem of greenhouse gases which are a growing problem in today’s society. Saci made it easy for me to relate to her characters especially her main character (Laura) with her typical problems. The novel reflects issues that most teenagers go through, like love and self-awareness. All in all, it was a great read.

I would most definitely recommend this book to people of ages from 13-20 who have interests in teen drama, a hint of romance, family drama and Science fiction based pollution problems. I truly enjoyed this book which is why I’m awarding it 4-5 stars. A true eye opener.

By Milla T., Year 8

June 16

‘Earth Fall: The Battle Starts Here’ by Mark Walden

‘Earth Fall: The Battle Starts Here’ is the main book in the new Earth Fall series by Mark Walden.

The story begins with little information about the hero who endeavours to take a living among the remnants of a post-outsider intrusion Earth. Whether this attack is limited or worldwide is a secret, just like the presence of some other free survivors. We are quickly acquainted with ‘automatons’— the outsider animals/makes who watch the city searching for any survivors—and ‘walkers’— local earthlings who have fallen under the spell of a puzzling outsider flag and are currently close to zombie-like labourers for the trespassers.

After some narrow escapes, including one where our hero is “stung” by one of the outsider automatons and spared by the opportune intercession of obvious officer Rachel, he is at long last presented as Sam Riley. Sam and Rachel escape the end swarms of outsiders and after some tight situations, get back to make it to Rachel’s HQ where we are acquainted with whatever is left of the survivors, all bar two of whom are youngsters like Sam and Rachel.

The special cases are one Dr Stirling, who drives the gathering and makes “missions” against the trespassers and seems to know an exasperating lot about the outsiders and Jackson, possibly a previous regal marine who prepares every one of the teenagers to be fight prepared.

What takes place after is a progression of heightening clashes and missions as the survivors endeavour to disturb the outsider building works and supplies while endeavouring to find out how their flag controls most of the human populace; how, on the off chance that it is conceivable to break this impact and why Sam isn’t yet dead from his sting.

By Jake L., Year 8

June 15

‘After Earth’ by Peter David

After Earth is a thrilling novel of action-packed bravery. Written by Peter David, the book is based on a story by Will Smith.

The story is set on another planet because we destroyed ours and made it uninhabitable. We populated and destroyed our planet, but we fled and made our home on another planet.

The main characters are Kitai and his father. Kitai is a determined boy who strives to be like his father and never gives up. But he is scared and panics when he is in danger. His father, on the other hand, is a strong and fearless man. He is a solider on this new planet and is away most of the time, but he loves his family.

The story is mainly about Kitai finding his courage. He and his dad have decided to go on one of the missions his father was assigned but they crashed and found our lost world. Kitai and his dad are the only two that survive the crash. But to get home they need a beacon to send for help, but the beacon was broken the only other working one is in the tail of the ship, but the ship’s tail was detached and is miles away. This is how the epic story of Kitai begins.

I really enjoyed this novel because it grips you and keeps you wanting to know more and more but you can’t take your eyes off it. I love how Kitai and his dad fight through dangerous tasks. I love how you can kind of connect to the story. You see Kitai grow slowly into a more courageous and intelligent man.

I would recommend this story for any age of reader.

Reviewed by Reuben B., Year 8

June 15

‘Insurgent’ by Veronica Roth

Run! Run as fast as you can and don’t stop until you can’t hear them anymore. Then be quiet and watch your step. You can’t trust anyone, not anymore.

Tris is a divergent trying to find her way in a world where being able to be more than one faction is frowned upon, a world where you can’t be yourself.

Are your favourite book types the ones where you just can’t get enough, where you could just sit there and read the whole book in a day or two? If so, this book is perfect for you.

The setting of this book is a dystopian future where Beatris, her boyfriend Tobias (also known as Four) and her brother Peter have been running from the law for so long. Tris wants to bring the deaths of her father, mother and her best friend to justice by killing the leader of all this mess, Jeanine. Jeanine has manipulated all other factions into believing that being divergent is bad until one of her soldiers digs up a box that can only be opened by a divergent, but everyone she has tried so far has died… until they find Tris who is a 100% divergent. Will Tris be able to open the box or fail like everyone else?

The reason I loved this book so much is because of the concept that being different is OK and you should always fight to be who you are. Another thing I loved about this book is the five factions: Dauntless, Amity, Abnegation, Candor and Erudite. These symbolise amazing qualities that any person can have. I also really loved the theme of this book and the way the storyline went. So, if you enjoy these types books as much as me, you would love this.

The people that I would recommend this book to are people around 12 and up depending on your reading skills. You would love this book if you are into dystopian future and advanced technology with twists of civilisation of thousands of years ago. Overall, I would rate this book a 5/5.

Caitlin A. Year 8

June 15

‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games, by author Suzanne Collins, is an interesting science fiction novel created in a dystopian world. This novel shows the life of a fictional society where young teens must fight until the death in the yearly repetition of The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is run by a wealthy city called Panem, which is surrounded by 12 districts. Each district is to put forward one female and one male aged 12 to 18 to compete in the game which is aired on every television over Panem. Katniss Everdeen aged sixteen willingly chose to volunteer to participate in The Hunger Games instead of her younger sister Prim (aged 12) who was chosen to be the 23rd member of the 74th annual hunger games. Katniss instead becomes the female tribute for District 12 along with Peeta Mellark also aged 16, who is the male tribute. Katniss promises Prim she will win after taking her place.

Katniss is against hurting or killing anyone but is pushed to fight for her life once the games start. Only one will win. Things get complicated when Katniss starts to catch feelings for a boy from her district who is also competing and she teams up with a little girl from District 11. Will Katniss kill the ones she loves to fight for her life? Or will she let someone else win so they don’t have to be killed. For Katniss to survive, she must kill.

I have read the first book to The Hunger Games three times, and the other books many times as well. I think they are all such thrilling and terrific novels it is hard to put them down. The series won many awards since the book was released in September 2008 such as “Best books of the year, Publishers’ Weekly 2008,” “New York Times Best Seller,” “The California Young Reader Medal”. The Hunger Games series has also been turned into a film series winning many awards also.

I personally think this book is one of my favourites and I hope that they continue to make more.  I liked it because it was different to most novels I have read, with good detail and interesting plot twists. I could picture it as if I was there in Panem when I read this book. I think this book is good for any gender, and from ages 12 and up as it can be quite graphic.

Millah P., Year 8

June 14

‘Star Wars: Episode 1, The phantom menace’

Author – Patricia C. Wrede, based on a screenplay and story by written by George Lucas.

“Your focus determines your reality.” Qui-Gon Jinn.

The story is mainly set in a far, far away galaxy where travel in space and technology are at a higher level.

Anakin Skywalker – is a slave but when Jedis find him he has the potential to fulfil the prophesy to balance out the force and defeat the dark side.

Obi-Wan Kenobi – is a Jedi with a strong connection to the force. He is the one who taught Anakin his powers and all his special moves.

Yoda – is one of the strongest and wisest Jedi’s out of them all. He practiced being a Jedi for over 800 years.

Padme Amidala – is the queen. She is a very strong leader and courage’s in battle. She helps take care of the boy.

Anakin Skywalker is a slave and he is very smart, but he has dreams of becoming something and when Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn find him, they sense a very strong connection with him.

What will happen next?

I enjoyed this book because I love all the adventure and I like all the futuristic things in the book, such as the light saber and space ships that travel in out of space through galaxies. Also, I have watched the movie for all the other movies in this series and I just love that the author can think of all this imaginative stuff.

I would recommend this book to a child aged from 5 to about 15 because anyone under 5 most likely wouldn’t get what’s going on in the book and lots of violence is a part of the series. Also, boys would more likely like this book than girls because of all the fighting and shooting which boys tend to like.

By – Deon B., Year 8

June 14

‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth

“Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing.’
‘Well,’ he says, ‘I would only go if there was cake.”

‘Divergent’ is a science fiction book set in a futuristic Chicago, sure to keep you on your toes with plenty of interesting twists and turns throughout the whole book. It will keep you entertained and glued to your book, changing ideas and the way you think about ordinary life.

The story of ‘Divergent’ is about one girl named Beatrice who decides she isn’t happy with the faction which she was born into, so she decides to change into a separate faction to try and become a new person going by the name of Tris.

The story is set in a futuristic dystopian Chicago where things aren’t as they seem. ‘Divergent’ holds a host of many different characters such as Tris, Four, Caleb and a mysterious boy by the name of Four.

‘Divergent’ is a book about the choices of the main character Tris. The story delves into multiple subjects relevant to present day society. ‘Divergent’ is a book targeted at young teenagers through to old ones and it portrays a consistent theme of dystopia because of difference.

I believe ‘Divergent’ is an extremely entertaining book that I would recommend to people from the ages of 11-17. The character development makes you feel as if you are a part of the story; as though you are there with these characters.

Another reason why I believe ‘Divergent’ is a good read and would recommend it is because of the inability to put the book down I felt while reading it. ‘Divergent’ is a good book that I recommend because of its excellent story, plot, character development and immersing environment. I would rate the book a 5 out of 5 as it is an excellent read for a majority of teenagers.

Marco M., Year 8

…..

Becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it, that’s the point –Four in Divergent.

Tris is a regular teenager who lives in a world which is divided by factions. She doesn’t fit into just one of those factions. She is different. She is a Divergent. She could change everything.

Divergent is set in a dystopian future where you must pick your place in the world. Only being able to choose one faction, Tris Prior must pick her place out of five factions: Dauntless, Amity, Erudite, Abnegation and Candor. The factions were made to protect the world they live in from war and violence. After each person chooses a faction, they stick to the rules so it wouldn’t start any future conflicts.

‘What’s so bad about being a divergent?’ you ask? People who are Divergent have the power to corrupt society without even knowing it. Jeanine, faction leader of Erudite, believes in order and the abilities divergents hold frighten her, which pushes her to remove all of them from the divided society they live in.

What faction will 16-year-old Tris Prior choose, will she fit in or will the leaders discover she is a divergent and kill her?

This intriguing novel keeps you wanting to read it non-stop from the beginning right to the end. It is interesting to read how the different factions react and what they do in their daily life because it relates to different religions. Divergent has peaks of many writing styles with thrilling action, sparks of romance, bravery and mysterious characters which allow the plot to be enthralling. What I prized the most about this book is that It has many messages scattered throughout that have powerful meanings. For example, how you must pick a certain thing to fit into the society, such as choosing between what to do after high school and even picking different peer groups. These examples are accurate in the way they relate back to present day with teenagers who go through challenges like these in everyday life.

I would recommend Divergent to people who enjoy a mysterious yet excitement-filled story to high school students and young adults, both male and female from the ages of 12-25. Awarded with both Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction and Good Reads Choice Awards Favourite Book, it is clear that Divergent by Veronica Roth is an all-around great book.

Sophia L, Year 8.

…..

Do you want to read a great science fiction novel loved by the world? Divergent is a science fiction novel written by Veronica Roth. Overall the Divergent series made $6.7 million. This novel is a thrill-seeking adventures novel of a girl named Beatrice Prior who is different from everybody else. She is a divergent.

This novel is an enjoyable story set in the futuristic world where everyone is divided into five factions. In this world when you turn into an adult you must choose a faction and stay in that faction for life. Tris Prior chooses Dauntless, who are the clan of bravery but she discovers that she is Divergent. Divergents are rare and considered dangerous. Divergents are the people who cannot fit in just one faction because they fit in all factions. Tris discovers that she is a threat to everyone she loves. This novel is set in a land filled with war and factions.

Divergent’s main theme is of Tris Prior being a Divergent and how it is dangerous to everyone. This ends up turning everyone against her and all factions after her. It ends up starting a war because of the people helping Tris and the people wanting to find her and possibly kill her. Another interesting theme is Tris’s time in Dauntless as she completes activities and learns how to fight.

In conclusion, this novel can be enjoyed for its interesting themes and great character detail. The highlights in my opinion were the scenes where everyone is after Tris Prior and where she is sneaking around Dauntless. This book is great for teens to adults for it has characters of their age and themes they will enjoy. Finally, I rate this book 4 stars.

Tom F., Year 8

June 13

‘Extras’ by Scott Westerfeld

My chosen sci-fi novel is called ‘Extras’ by Scott Westerfeld. It is the fourth book in the UGLIES series.

What I like about the book is that it is thrilling and it makes you want to keep reading. It engages whoever is reading.

The book is about the world of uglies and pretties and popularity, for example, imagine that the world is a huge game of a TV reality show such as XFactor. Whoever gets the most buzzes gets the votes. Basically, in the book, people judge people by their looks and who gets recognition and who doesn’t. Personally this book really makes the readers understand how the ‘mind-rain’ affected people all over the world.

In conclusion the book was really interesting, and enjoyable and I would recommend it to people who love unexpected scenes in the book.

By Shanece P., Year 8

June 13

‘Cinder’ by Marissa Meyer

“Even in the future the story begins with once upon a time.”

Humans and cyborgs crowd the streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague breaks out in Beijing. In space, Lunar people (people who live on the moon for e.g. Aliens) watch them, waiting to make a move (plan of attack). But no one knows that Cinder is their Hero.

‘Cinder’ is a science fiction book that is about a gifted engineer in New Beijing who is a cyborg but no one knows. It is revealed that Cinder is a cyborg by her stepmother, who accuses her for her step-sister’s sudden illness (the plague, caused because she is a cyborg). Prince Kai visits Cinder himself at the weekly market for her to fix his broken androids.

This book is for adults because they would understand the story line a lot better than children. Personally I didn’t like this book because it was boring and there was no excitement and adventure. Science fiction books are books that are not reality and include science like engineering, utopia, dystopia, good and evil etc. In conclusion this book is for adults because they would understand the story line a lot better so I give the book a 2/5 stars.

By Reilly J., Year 8

June 13

‘Specials’ by Scott Westerfeld

This book is about differences and equality mixed with futuristic themes. Is that your genre? Well, this book is for you. This book is very jam packed with emotions and jaw-dropping moments.

The book is called ‘Specials’ by Scott Westerfeld. It’s a futuristic science novel. Overall I would rate the novel an 8/10 because it had interesting scenes and characters. What happens is a bunch of 15 year olds are made differently and what if someone is special? Would they be judged differently?

Tally has been made differently from the rest and she has been made to fight others. What happens next you’ll have to read to find out. It is set in a futuristic place which was pretty cool and well explained. Yes it was, it summed up the story so well. Tally had changed so much and I didn’t really enjoy her character but it was good to see Shay back in the book.

In conclusion, I thought the book was good overall. I could have been a bit better and more interesting but I did enjoy it and I hope that you read it too.

Mia A., Year 8

June 13

‘The 5th Wave’ by Rick Yancey

In a world filled with manipulation, who can you trust? “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey is a sci-fi narrative set in a desolate future. When aliens attack mankind, survivors call these attacks “waves”. The first Wave took out half a million humans, the second wave killed even more, whilst the next wave (three) caused four billion deaths. Then came wave four where aliens disguised themselves as humans and invaded earth, which now leaves the fifth and final wave.

Cassie, the main heroine’s dad dies when she is at camp and she is forced to take on a parenting role for her brother but he quickly goes missing so she goes looking for him and is forced to run from the danger. But is the real threat human or alien?

I believe the book dragged out and I also could not get attached to any characters because who knows if they’re really humans or aliens. Finally, it was wasted potential as I felt like the story idea is great and it’s an amazing thought experiment that makes you question our society.

I felt like this book would be more suitable for people who like reading longer, drawn out books. Long books such as Harry Potter and Hunger Games are good but they twist and have an interesting story but ‘The Fifth Wave’ should have been way shorter as it has less twists and turns and is, worst of all, boring. It dragged out and was long and I didn’t get attached to any characters because they may be an alien. Overall I give it 3/10.

Flynn D., Year 8.5

June 13

‘Jump: Twin maker’ by Sean Williams

If you could be anywhere in a moment where would you go?

If you could change your appearance in a minute, what would you choose?

If you discovered something was very wrong with this perfect world, what would you do?

This book has a nice combo of action and exporting the future of technology. I would recommend this book to young adults or teens because they can relate to the characters when they feel some emotion and what they do.

There are a few main characters in the book ‘Jump’. One of them is Clair, who is very cautious. She doesn’t really like to try things unless she knows everything about them. Then she will really give it a go. There is also Libby, who is always keen to give everything a try. She is funny and optimistic. Then there is Q. Q is very strange. Clair says he can’t be trusted. She doesn’t trust her, but then she slowly does.

In the future, technology can teleport you anywhere instantly, anywhere you want. Imagine if there was such a code that could change your height, strength, making you more beautiful.

Clair wakes up one morning and gets a call about this ‘offer’. She thinks the offer is too good to be true. Her friend Libby gets the same call. She is sure she wants the offer. She thinks it will be great to have a new and improved version of herself. Clair’s worst nightmare comes when her best friend Libby falls into a deadly trap. Clair needs help. She gets Jesse (the school freak) and a wired but powerful stranger named “Q” to help her. Clair tries to help and protect Libby, even risking her own life to save her. Clair is running out of time as she is getting chased across the world. Will Clair save herself or try to save her best friend.?

This is a novel by Sean William.

Ethan G., Year 8

 

Ethan G., Year 8

June 12

‘Gone’ by Michael Grant

One minute there. The next, gone.

In a split second every person aged fifteen and over simply disappears from the small town of Perdido Beach in California. Panic sweeps over the young teens, preteens and toddlers as the fight for survival begins. Modern technology is useless, emergency services are non-existent and phone lines are down. Among the chaos of screeching cars, burning kitchens and looting children, the struggle for control emerges when strangers arrive in town. They begin acting suspiciously towards Sam Temple and Astrid Ellison, two friends from school. A boy named Caine Soren from Coates Academy gains the trust of numerous kids with a plan brewing to introduce a leader’s council, with Sam being nominated. But behind the false act, what are Caine and his malicious friends really planning?

Embark on a journey with Sam, his best friend Quinn and Astrid, to find Astrid’s severely autistic four-year-old brother and uncover the secrets hidden within an enormous dome enclosing their world like a bubble. Mysteries will be discovered, changing the world for some or ending it for others, as a radioactive nuclear plant reveals the shocking truth. Soon teens learn and adapt to new abilities becoming dangerous, rules are enforced and anyone who doesn’t follow Caine’s second in command, Drake Merwin, will surely pay the price.

Beyond the streets of Perdido Beach, animals mutate and evil creatures emerge. Outbreaks of war will determine who’s weak and who’s strong. Lives will be lost, promises will be broken and friendships will be tested. Who will be next to leave the constricting dome? The clock is ticking as breathtaking decisions are made by Sam to protect his beloved town and his closest friends. Gone is a book that keeps you guessing, is full of suspense and has some surprising twists. A must read for young teens who enjoy action and drama.

By Michaela P., Year 8